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The Kitchener Rangers defenceman, who has twice been cut from Canada’s world junior selection camp, was one of 37 players named to this year’s audition next week in Calgary. From that group, 23 will make the final roster and compete at the world junior hockey championships beginning Dec. 26 in Ufa, Russia.

“It’s great news to hear that I’ll maybe get a chance to put on a Canadian jersey,” he said. “I’ve been watching the world juniors since I was a kid and it’s just an accomplishment to get invited to the camp.”

Murphy was sent home two years back and was one of the final cuts at last year’s tryout.

“It’s my third time and I’m going in there with quite a bit of experience,” said the 19-year-old rearguard, who has four goals and 17 assists for the Rangers this season. “If I took one thing out of it, it’s that I need to just stick to my game.”

That would be the smooth skating, puck moving and offensive minded blueliner that has made him a mainstay at the Aud for the past four seasons. He got away from his trademark style at last year’s junior camp but won’t make that mistake this time around.

“Last year I was trying to prove too much, that I could be just as good defensively and maybe that took away from my offensive side,” said the Carolina Hurricanes first round draft pick. “This year, I’m just going to go in and play the same game I play in Kitchener.”

And there will be a familiar face running the show with Rangers’ general manager and head coach Steve Spott at the helm.

“Maybe I have that comfort zone out there with him being behind the bench and maybe that will help me get into the zone a bit more,” said Murphy. “But I won’t get any special treatment and he’s not going to do me any favours.”

Rangers’ leading scorer Matt Puempel was in the running for a spot until he injured his shoulder last week against the London Knights. The Ottawa Senators first round draft pick has missed the past two games and remains sidelined.

“It’s definitely disappointing,” he said. “I wanted to be there but it’s done with now. I’m just looking forward to winning here in Kitchener and becoming a professional hockey player.”

Puempel’s hot start — he leads the Rangers with 21 goals — got the attention of Hockey Canada but the outfit couldn’t get past his injury.

“In our estimation he deserved to be here with regards to his play to start the season,” said Spott, who flew to Calgary for the news conference. “He’s not where he needs to be with his health and ultimately that was the deciding factor for Matt not to be at the evaluation camp. It’s tough. He’s a quality player and a great person and one of our leaders in Kitchener.”

Quick hits: Tonight is Teddy Bear Toss night. Fans are encouraged to bring stuffed bears to throw on the ice after the Rangers’ first goal. The plush toys will be donated to local charities. . . . This is the first of eight meetings between the two clubs this season. . . . Last year, the Rangers went 7-1 against the Storm. . . . Rangers’ rookie Darby Llewellyn (concussion) has been cleared to practise. . . . Goalie John Gibson (hip) and forwards Josh Sterk (concussion) and Tobias Rieder (foot) remain sidelined. . . . Storm forward Justin Auger, of Waterloo, is off to a solid start with nine goals and eight assists in 29 games. . . . Guelph defenceman, and Conestogo native, Chadd Bauman has two points and is plus-four in his rookie season.